JP2016520348A - System and method for enhancing slow wave activity of sleep based on cardiac activity - Google Patents

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for managing a subject's sleep session. Managing the sleep session is based on the subject's cardiac activity during the sleep session. Cardiac activity, such as being worn through one or more sensors placed on the subject's limbs and / or located at a distance from the subject, determines the duration of slow wave sleep Used to do. Sensory stimuli are transmitted to the subject during the slow wave sleep period to enhance slow wave activity. Wearing a sensor on the limb during sleep and / or placing the sensor slightly away from the subject is more for the subject as opposed to the subject wearing the EEG cap. It will be comfortable.

Description

  The present disclosure is based on an output signal generated by one or more sensors that conveys a signal related to a subject's pulse rate and / or blood volume during a current sleep session. The present invention relates to a system and method for managing sleep sessions.

  Systems for monitoring sleep are known. A typical system for monitoring sleep includes an electroencephalogram (EEG) cap that is worn on the user's head during sleep. EEG caps can reduce the comfort level of the user and interfere with sleep. Sensory stimuli during sleep are known. Sensory stimuli during sleep are often applied continuously and / or at intervals that do not correspond to the subject's sleep pattern.

  The present disclosure overcomes deficiencies in prior systems.

  Accordingly, one or more aspects of the present disclosure relate to a system configured to manage a subject's current sleep session. The system includes one or more sensory stimulators, one or more sensors, and one or more processors. The one or more sensory stimulation devices are configured to provide sensory stimulation to the subject. The one or more sensors are configured to generate an output signal that conveys information related to one or more of the subject's pulse rate or blood volume during the current sleep session. The one or more processors are configured to execute computer program modules. The computer program module includes a parameter module, a sleep stage module, and a control module. The parameter module is configured to determine one or more cardiac activity parameters based on the output signal. The one or more cardiac activity parameters include one or more of a pulse rate metric or a blood volume metric. The pulse rate metric and blood volume metric are related to the subject's current sleep stage during the current sleep session. The sleep stage module is configured to determine the current sleep stage of the subject based on the determined parameters. The sleep stage module is configured to determine whether the subject is currently slow wave sleep. The control module applies a sensory stimulus to the subject to increase the subject's slow wave activity (SWA) while it is determined that the subject is in slow wave sleep. It is configured to control one or more sensory stimulators. In some embodiments, SWA can be predicted by electroencephalogram (EEG). In some embodiments, SWA corresponds to the power of an EEG signal in the 0.5-4.0 Hz band.

  Yet another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method for managing a subject's current sleep session using a management system. The system comprises one or more sensory stimulators, one or more sensors, and one or more processors configured to execute computer program modules. The computer program module includes a parameter module, a sleep stage module, and a control module. The method uses one or more sensors to generate an output signal conveying information related to one or more of a subject's pulse rate or blood volume during a current sleep session; and a parameter module; And determining one or more cardiac activity parameters based on the output signal, wherein the one or more cardiac activity parameters include one or more of a pulse rate metric or a blood volume metric, A number metric and a blood volume metric relate to the current sleep stage of the subject during the current sleep session; and a current sleep of the subject based on the parameters determined using the sleep stage module Determining a stage; using the sleep stage module to determine whether the subject is currently in slow wave sleep; and the subject is in slow wave sleep Controlling one or more sensory stimulation devices to provide sensory stimulation to the subject to enhance the subject's slow wave activity using the control module while determined to be . In some embodiments, the one or more sensory stimulation devices are controlled to provide sensory stimulation to the subject to induce a slow wave of sleep. Induced sleep slow wave expression can be measured via slow wave activity.

  Yet another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a system configured to manage a subject's current sleep session. The system includes means for providing a sensory stimulus to the subject; and means for generating an output signal that conveys information related to one or more of the subject's pulse rate or blood volume during the current sleep session; Means for executing computer program modules. The computer program module is a means for determining one or more cardiac activity parameters based on the output signal, wherein the one or more cardiac activity parameters include one or more of a pulse rate metric or a blood volume metric, Means for determining one or more cardiac activity parameters, wherein the pulse rate metric and the blood volume metric relate to the current sleep stage of the subject during the current sleep session; based on the determined parameters Means for determining a person's current sleep stage, the means for determining a current sleep stage configured to determine whether the subject is currently in slow wave sleep; Means for controlling the means for applying sensory stimulation so as to increase the slow wave activity of the subject by applying sensory stimulation to the subject while it is determined that he is sleeping in the waves.

  These and other objects, features and characteristics of the present disclosure, as well as the manner of operation, the function of related elements of the structure and the combination of manufacturing and economy, will be described in the following description and appended claims with reference to the accompanying drawings. It will become clearer if the range of is considered. The drawings form a part of this specification in their entirety, and like reference numerals designate corresponding parts in the various drawings. It should be clearly understood, however, that the drawings are for illustration and description only and are not intended to define limitations of the present disclosure.

Manage a subject's current sleep session based on an output signal generated by one or more sensors that conveys a signal related to the subject's pulse rate and / or blood volume during the current sleep session 1 is a schematic diagram of a system configured to do so. It is a figure which shows a sleep graph (hypnogram) and an EEG signal. It is a figure which shows the optical sensor comprised so that it may mount | wear with a subject's wrist. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a camera that is positioned at a distance from a subject and is configured to be directed to a skin area of the subject's body. It is a figure which shows the high frequency fluctuation | variation corresponding to a subject's pulse rate. FIG. 6 shows an example of a comparison between sleep stages determined from EEG and output signals from an optical sensor in the 0.04-0.30 Hz range. Shows how heart rate variability over time generally correlates with time-varying sleep stage variation so that the sleep stage module can determine the subject's current sleep stage based on the determined heart rate variability FIG. It is a figure which shows the method of managing a subject's present sleep session using a management system.

  As used herein, the singular forms (“a”, “an”, “the”) include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. As used herein, a statement that two or more parts or components are “coupled” means that one or more of the parts are joined or directly or indirectly, ie, a link occurs. It means to cooperate through an intermediate part or component. As used herein, “directly coupled” means that two elements are in direct contact with each other. As used herein, “fixedly coupled” or “fixed” refers to two components that are coupled so that they move together while maintaining a fixed orientation relative to each other. Means that.

  As used herein, the term “unitary” means that a component is created as a single piece or unit. That is, a component that includes pieces that are created separately and then joined together as a unit is not a “unitary” component or organization. As used herein, the description that two or more parts or components “engage” with each other means that these parts are in force of each other directly or through one or more intermediate parts or components. Is meant to be given. As used herein, “number” shall mean one or an integer greater than one (ie, a plurality).

  As used herein, directional representations, such as, but not limited to, top, bottom, left, right, top, bottom, front, back and their derivatives, etc. are used for the elements shown in the drawings. Although related to direction, these do not limit the claim unless explicitly stated in the claim.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a system 10 configured to manage a subject's current sleep session. In some embodiments, system 10 may include one or more of sensory stimulator 16, sensor 18, processor 20, electronic storage 22, user interface 24, and / or other components. System 10 is configured to determine the current sleep phase of subject 12 one or more times during a sleep session. The sleep stage of the subject 12 is determined based on the heart activity of the subject 12. The cardiac activity may include a pulse rate of the subject 12, a change in blood volume in the blood vessel of the subject 12, and / or other cardiac activity. System 10 is configured to deliver sensory stimuli (eg, auditory stimuli) based on output signals generated by sensor 18. The output signal generated by the sensor 18 conveys information related to the pulse rate of the subject 12, the blood volume of the subject 12, and / or other information during the current sleep session. System 10 is configured such that transmission of sensory stimuli during sleep induces and / or enhances slow wave activity in subject 12. In some embodiments, sleep slow waves that induce slow wave activity are induced. The transmission of sensory stimuli is timed to correspond to the sleep stage associated with slow wave activity.

  Slow wave sleep can be observed by electroencephalogram (EEG). FIG. 2 illustrates a sleep graph 200 and an EEG signal 202. Sleep graph 200 illustrates the variation of sleep stage 204 with respect to time 206 for a subject's sleep session. The sleep phase may include wakefulness (W), REM (rapid eye movement: R) and / or non-REM phase N1, N2 or N3 sleep. In some embodiments, slow wave sleep and / or slow wave activity may correspond to stage N3 sleep. In some embodiments, stage N2 and / or stage N3 sleep may be slow wave sleep and / or may correspond to slow wave activity. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the auditory stimulus 208 is timed for transmission during the slow wave sleep 210 period. In some embodiments, slow waves may not necessarily be present throughout the N3 period, but it may be quite likely that such slow waves exist during N3, for example. Slow waves may be present (albeit to a lesser extent), for example, between N2. The EEG signal is typically generated via a headset worn by the subject during sleep. Wearing an EEG monitoring system on the head during sleep is cumbersome and hinders the subject's sleep. The system described herein alleviates the need to wear a headset while sleeping.

  Returning to FIG. 1, the sensory stimulation device 16 is configured to provide sensory stimulation to the subject 12. The sensory stimulation device 16 is configured to provide sensory stimulation to the subject 12 prior to the current sleep session, during the current sleep session and / or at other times. For example, the sensory stimulation device 16 may be configured to provide sensory stimulation to the subject 12 during slow wave sleep of the current sleep session. The sensory stimulation device 16 may be configured to provide sensory stimulation to the subject 12 during the current sleep session and to induce and / or regulate the slow wave activity of the subject 12. In some embodiments, sensory stimulation device 16 may be configured such that adjusting includes increasing, decreasing and / or other adjustments to slow wave activity of subject 12.

  In some embodiments, sensory stimulator 16 may be configured to induce and / or modulate slow wave activity through non-invasive brain stimulation and / or other methods. The sensory stimulator 16 may be configured to induce and / or regulate slow wave activity through non-invasive brain stimulation using sensory stimuli. Sensory stimuli include odor, sound, visual stimuli, tactile sensations, taste and / or other stimuli. For example, the sensory stimulation device 16 may be configured to induce and / or regulate slow wave activity via auditory stimulation of the subject 12. Examples of sensory stimulators 16 include music players, tone generators, electrode sets, units that transmit vibrational stimuli (also known as somatosensory stimuli), coils that generate magnetic fields to directly stimulate the cerebral cortex, light One or more of a generator, scent dispenser and / or other device may be included. In some embodiments, sensory stimulator 16, sensor 18 and / or other components of system 10 may be integrated into a single device. For example, the sensory stimulator 16 may be integrated into a wristband worn by the subject 12 during sleep, which also includes a sensor 18. In this exemplary embodiment, sensory stimulation device 16 may be configured to transmit vibrational stimulation to the wrist of subject 12.

  Sensor 18 may be in one or more of subject 12 pulse rate, subject 12 blood volume, subject 12 movement and / or other characteristics of subject 12 during the current sleep session. It is configured to generate an output signal that conveys relevant information. The sensor 18 is configured to maintain the comfort of the subject 1 during sleep so that sleep is not hindered by discomfort caused by the sensor 18. The sensor 18 may be an optical sensor 40 (shown in FIG. 3), a camera 50 (shown in FIG. 4), an accelerometer, and / or a pulse rate, blood volume, movement and / or other characteristics of the subject 12. Other sensors configured to measure may be included. The sensor 18 may be configured to be carried (eg, worn) by the extremities of the subject 12, positioned at a distance from the subject 12, and / or configured in other ways. The sensor 18 may comprise one or more sensors that generate an output signal that conveys information related to the subject's pulse rate, the subject's blood volume, and / or other information indirectly. Sensor 18 may generate an output signal that conveys information related to subject 12 movement, subject 12 breathing, and / or other characteristics of subject 12. For example, sensor 18 may include an accelerometer so that sleep can be analyzed using an actigraphic signal. The accelerometer may be integrated into the sensor 18 as a single device and / or configured to be a stand-alone component of the system 10. In some embodiments, the accelerometer may be integrated into a bracelet and / or wristband worn by the subject 12, for example.

  As a non-limiting example, FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of the sensor 18 that includes an optical sensor 40 and is configured to be worn on the wrist 300 of the subject 12. In the example shown in FIG. 3, a light source (LED) 42 and a photodiode (PD) assembly 44 are accommodated by a case 302. Light 304 from the light source 42 is scattered and / or absorbed by blood in the blood vessel 306. The photodiode assembly 44 generates an output signal indicative of the amount of light from the light source 42 that is not absorbed by the blood in the blood vessel 306 of the wrist 300.

  The optical sensor 40 is configured to be carried by the extremities of the subject 12. For example, FIG. 3 illustrates an optical sensor 40 that is worn on the wrist 300 of the subject 12. In some embodiments, the optical sensor 40 is configured such that the limb of the subject 12 includes the arm, leg, wrist, finger, ankle, toe and / or other limb of the subject 12. In some embodiments, the optical sensor 40 may be incorporated into a bracelet and / or wristband worn by the subject 12, for example. As shown in FIG. 3, the optical sensor 40 includes a light source 42, a photodiode assembly 44, and / or other components. In some embodiments, the light source 42 and / or the photodiode assembly 44 may be housed by a housing (eg, the case 302) that is coupled to the limb of the subject 12 and the subject 12 The limbs of the subject 12 are connected to the limbs of the subject 12 through an adhesive and detachably connected to the limbs of the subject 12 and / or through other mechanisms. Can be carried by. In some embodiments, the optical sensor 40 may be integrated into a clamp or other device configured to removably couple to the limb of the subject 12. The optical sensor 40 is configured to be carried by the limb of the subject 12 such that the optical sensor 40 remains in a position facing the skin of the limb of the subject 12 during a sleep session. In some embodiments, the optical sensor 40 may be configured so that the output signal is transmitted wirelessly.

  The light source 42 is configured to illuminate a skin region on the extremity (eg, wrist 300) of the subject 12. In some embodiments, the light source 42 may be a light emitting diode (LED). LEDs can emit monochromatic light. In some embodiments, the monochromatic light is green. In some embodiments, the monochromatic light is a color other than green. In some embodiments, the light is not monochromatic light. At least a portion of the light can be confused and / or absorbed by blood in blood vessels 306 in the skin region. The photodiode assembly 44 is configured to generate an output signal indicative of the amount of light 304 from the light source that is not absorbed by blood in the blood vessels in the skin region. The amount of light 304 that is not absorbed is related to one or more of pulse rate, blood volume of blood vessels in the skin region, and / or other characteristics of subject 12. The output signal from the photodiode 44 may indicate, for example, blood volume and / or pulse rate in the monitored region. As the subject's heart beats, the blood volume of the blood vessels in the skin changes, and the output signal from the photodiode 44 reflects more or less absorbed light, reflecting this change.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the camera 50 is arranged at a distance 400 from the subject 12 and is configured to be directed to an area of skin on the body of the subject 12. In some embodiments, the area of skin on the body of the subject 12 is the face of the subject 12. In some embodiments, the camera 50 may be pointed at the subject 12 while the subject 12 is asleep in the bed 402, for example. The camera 50 is configured to generate an output signal that is related to a change in skin color within the body region of the subject 12 to which the camera is directed. The color of the skin is related to the pulse rate, the blood volume of blood vessels in the area of the subject's body, and / or other characteristics of the subject 12. A change in skin color may indicate, for example, a change in blood volume of blood vessels in the monitored area. In some embodiments, the camera 50 may be a vital sign camera. In some embodiments, the camera 50 may be a mobile device camera associated with the subject 12 and / or other users. In some embodiments, the camera 50 may use infrared light to generate an output signal related to a change in skin color. By using infrared light, the likelihood that the user will wake up during a sleep session may be reduced. In some embodiments, an infrared light source is placed next to the bed, which can illuminate the user's body and enhance the signal received by the camera. In some embodiments, the system 10 may be configured to transmit the output signal from the camera 50 wirelessly and / or wired.

  Returning to FIG. 1, the sensor 18 is here shown in a position carried by the extremity of the subject 12, or is located slightly away from the subject 12, but this is not intended to be limiting. . The sensor 18 may include one or more of different types of sensors (eg, optical sensors, camera sensors) disposed at multiple locations. For example, a plurality of sensors 18 may be disposed on a plurality of limbs of the subject 12. The optical sensor may be disposed on the extremities of the subject 12, and the camera may be disposed slightly away from the subject 12. A plurality of cameras may be arranged at some distance from the subject 12.

  The processor 20 is configured to provide information processing capabilities within the system 10. Thus, the processor 20 is a digital processor, an analog processor, a digital circuit designed to process information, an analog circuit designed to process information, a state machine and / or for processing information electronically. One or more of the other mechanisms may be provided. Although processor 20 is shown in FIG. 1 as a single entity, this is for illustrative purposes only. In some embodiments, the processor 20 may include multiple processing units. These multiple processing units may be physically located in the same device (eg, sensory stimulator 16), or the processor 20 may represent the processing functions of multiple devices operating in concert.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the processor 20 is configured to execute one or more computer program modules. The one or more computer program modules may comprise one or more of the parameter module 30, the sleep stage module 32, the control module 34, and / or other modules. The processor 20 may be a module 30, 32 and / or 34 by software; hardware; firmware; some combination of software, hardware and / or firmware; and / or other mechanisms for configuring processing power on the processor 20. May be configured to perform.

  Although the modules 30, 32 and 34 are illustrated in FIG. 1 as being co-located within a single processing unit, in embodiments where the processor 20 comprises multiple processing units, the modules 30, 32 and / or Alternatively, it will be appreciated that one or more of 34 may be located remotely from other modules. Provided by different modules 30, 32, and / or 34 described below, as any of modules 30, 32, and / or 34 may provide more or less functions than those described. The description of the functions made is for purposes of illustration and is not intended to be limiting. For example, one or more of the modules 30, 32 and / or 34 may be omitted, and some or all of the functionality may be provided by the other modules 30, 32 and / or 34. As another example, the processor 20 may be configured to execute one or more additional modules that may perform some or all of the functions belonging to one of the modules 30, 32, and / or 34. Good.

  The parameter module 30 is configured to determine one or more cardiac activity parameters based on the output signal from the sensor 18. The one or more cardiac activity parameters include a pulse rate metric, a blood volume metric, and / or other parameters. The pulse rate metric may be related to heart rate variability (HRV) and / or other pulse rate metrics. Heart rate variability is defined as the variation in the time interval between beats. The blood volume metric may be related to low frequency changes in blood volume, for example in the range of about 0.04 to 0.30 Hz, and / or other blood volume metrics. The pulse rate metric, blood volume metric, and / or other parameters may be related to the current sleep stage of the subject 12 during the current sleep session. In some embodiments, the parameter module 30 may be configured to determine pulse rate metrics, blood volume metrics and / or other parameters directly from the output signal of the sensor 18. In some embodiments, the parameter module 30 is configured to determine a pulse rate metric and / or blood volume metric from previously determined parameters. For example, the parameter module 30 may be configured to determine a change in blood volume in the skin region based on the output signal from the sensor 18. The parameter module 30 may determine the pulse rate based on frequency, amplitude and / or other characteristics of changes in blood volume in the skin area over time. As another example, the parameter module 30 may be configured to determine a color change in the skin area of the subject 12 based on the output signal from the sensor 18. The parameter module 30 may determine the pulse rate based on other characteristics of frequency, color, and / or changes in skin characteristics over time. In some embodiments, the parameter module 30 is configured to determine a wakefulness metric that indicates the level of wakefulness of the subject 12 based on the output signal of the sensor 18. The awakening metric can be determined based on, for example, the movement of the subject 12. The movement of the subject 12 includes high-frequency noise in the heart signal from the sensor 18, movement of the subject 12 determined via the camera 50, movement of the subject 12 determined via the accelerometer, and / or Or it can be determined based on other information.

  FIG. 5 illustrates an example of an output signal 500 from the sensor 18 (shown in FIG. 1). The characteristics of the output signal 500 (eg, frequency, amplitude, baseline variation, time interval between peaks, etc.) are used by the parameter module 30 (shown in FIG. 1) to determine one or more hearts during the current sleep session. Activity parameters and / or other information may be determined. The output signal 500 may exemplify a signal representative of a change in blood volume generated by, for example, the optical sensor 40 (shown in FIG. 3), the camera 50 (shown in FIG. 4) and / or other sensors. The signal strength 502 of the output signal 500 varies with time 504. The peak 506 of the signal 500 appears almost every second in this example and represents the heartbeat of the subject (eg, subject 12). The parameter module 30 may determine heart rate variability based on the peak 506, for example.

  Returning to FIG. 1, the sleep stage module 32 is configured to determine the current sleep stage of the subject 12 based on the determined cardiac activity parameters, output signals from the sensor 18 and / or other information. Is done. As described above, the current sleep stage of the subject 12 may correspond to one or more of wakefulness, REM sleep, stage N1, stage N2, and / or stage N3 sleep. The sleep stage module 32 is configured to determine whether the subject 12 is currently in slow wave sleep. In some embodiments, slow wave sleep and / or slow wave activity may correspond to stage 3 sleep. In some embodiments, stage N2 and / or stage N3 sleep may be slow wave sleep and / or correspond to slow wave activity.

  In some embodiments, sleep stage module 32 is configured to determine a subject's current sleep stage based on a pulse rate metric (eg, heart rate variability). For example, as a subject progresses to a deeper sleep stage, the subject's pulse rate and / or pulse rate metric may show a corresponding decrease. The sleep stage module 32 may be configured to determine a current sleep stage based on a decrease in pulse rate metric.

  In some embodiments, sleep stage module 32 is configured to determine a subject's current sleep stage based on a blood volume metric. For example, low frequency changes in blood volume (eg, about 0.04-0.30 Hz) are associated with parasympathetic nervous system activity in subject 12. The parasympathetic nervous system is involved in coordinating activities that occur when the body is at rest. The behavior of the parasympathetic nervous system during sleep is different from the behavior of the parasympathetic nervous system during wakefulness. This is because the level of consciousness during sleep does not significantly interfere with the ongoing processes in the brain. The low frequency vibration during sleep is reduced in intensity compared to the awake state so that the strength of the low frequency vibration is lowest during the sleep at stage N3. The sleep stage module 32 may be configured to determine the current sleep stage based on a decrease in the strength of the low frequency vibration.

  For example, FIG. 5 illustrates the vibration between the high frequency peak 506 and the peak 506 of the intensity of the output signal 500 at a frequency of about 1 Hz, corresponding to the pulse rate of the subject (eg, subject 12). A low frequency vibration in the range of 0.04 to 0.3 Hz indicated by the peak 510 is superimposed on the high frequency vibration (the subsequent peak 510 is not shown in FIG. 5). Low frequency vibrations are associated with parasympathetic nervous system activity. The sleep stage module 32 (FIG. 1) may determine whether the subject is currently in slow wave sleep based at least in part on the difference in strength of the low frequency vibrations of the individual sleep stages. Good.

  FIG. 6A illustrates a comparison between sleep stages determined from EEG 600 and blood volume metric 602 for a subject (eg, based on the output signal of light sensor 40 in the 0.04-0.30 Hz range). Yes. The variation in sleep stage 604 over time and the variation in blood volume metric 606 over time determined from the EEG 600 are generally correlated with each other. Since the general correlation between the sleep stage variation 604 over time and the blood volume metric 606 over time indicates that low frequency oscillations in blood volume are related to the sleep stage of the subject (shown in FIG. 1). The sleep stage module 32 may determine the current sleep stage of the subject 12 based on the determined blood volume metric and / or the output signal from the sensor 18.

  Similarly, FIG. 6B illustrates heart rate variability over time so that sleep stage module 32 (shown in FIG. 1) can determine the current sleep stage of subject 12 based on the determined pulse rate variability. FIG. 6 illustrates how the (pulse rate metric) 620 generally correlates with the sleep stage variation 630 over time. The heart rate variability 620 over time can be determined by the parameter module 30. Sleep stage variability 630 over time can be determined by using heart rate variability information communicated via EEG, for example, by an ECG signal.

  The control module 34 provides sensory stimulation to the subject to induce and / or regulate the subject's slow wave activity while the subject is determined to be in slow wave sleep (eg, stage N3). And is configured to control one or more sensory stimulation devices. In some embodiments, adjusting slow wave activity may include enhancing slow wave activity. In some embodiments, the one or more sensory stimulation devices are controlled to provide sensory stimulation to the subject to induce sleep slow waves. In some embodiments, the expression of induced sleep slow waves can be measured via slow wave activity.

  In some embodiments, the control module 34 may determine the timing of transmission of sensory stimuli. In some embodiments, the timing of sensory stimulus transmission may correspond to a determination that subject 12 is currently in slow wave sleep. For example, the control module 34 may detect the sensory stimulus so that the auditory stimulus is transmitted to the subject 12 after a predetermined time when the sleep stage module 32 determines that the subject 12 is currently in the sleep stage N3. It may be configured to determine timing. The control module 34 may be configured to determine the timing of the sensory stimulus such that the determined timing corresponds to a sleep stage associated with slow wave activity. Because the likelihood of slow wave induction and / or adjustment during that particular sleep stage is relatively higher than other sleep stages and the user is less likely to occur by sensory stimuli and / or for other reasons Because. In some embodiments, the control module 34 provides sensory stimulation to the subject 12 in response to the wakefulness metric determined by the parameter module 30 indicating that the subject 12 is waking up. The sensory stimulation device 16 is configured to be controlled so as to stop.

  In some embodiments, the control module 34 may be configured to control the sensory stimulator 16 to adjust the slow wave activity of the subject 12 during the current sleep session. Adjusting the slow wave activity of the subject 12 while the subject 12 is asleep during the current sleep session may increase and / or decrease the slow wave activity of the subject 12 during sleep. May also include controlling the sensory stimulation device 16. In some embodiments, the control module 34 may control the sensory stimulator 16 to provide sensory stimuli during the current sleep session so that sensory stimuli do not cause the subject 12. For example, the control module 34 may control the sensory stimulation device 16 to provide sensory stimulation at a low intensity level.

  In some embodiments, the control module 34 may cause the electronic storage device 22 to store information related to the current sleep session of the subject 12. Information related to the current sleep session includes sleep pressure, information related to the induction and / or regulation of slow wave activity, stimulus intensity level, sleep stage, timing information, one or more cardiac activity parameters. Related information and / or other information may be included.

  The electronic storage device 22 includes an electronic storage medium that stores information electronically. The electronic storage medium of the electronic storage device 22 may be system storage provided integrally with the system 10 (ie, substantially non-removable) and / or, for example, a port (eg, USB port, Firewire®). One or both of removable storages that can be removably connected to the system 10 via a port or the like) or a drive (eg a disk drive). The electronic storage device 22 is an optically readable storage medium (for example, an optical disk), a magnetically readable storage medium (for example, a magnetic tape, a magnetic hard drive, a floppy (registered trademark) disk, etc.), a charge-based storage. One or more of media (eg, EPROM, RAM, etc.), semiconductor storage media (eg, flash drive, etc.) and / or other electronically readable storage media may be provided. The electronic storage device 22 may store software algorithms, information determined by the processor 20, information received from the subject 12, and / or other information that enables the system 10 to function properly. The electronic storage device 22 may be a separate component within the system 10 (in whole or in part), or the electronic storage device 22 may be (in whole or in part) one or more other components of the system 10 (eg, The processor 20) may be provided integrally.

  The user interface 24 is configured to provide an interface between the system 10 and the subject 12 and / or other users through which the subject 12 and / or other users can communicate with the system 10. Information may be provided to and received from the system 10. This includes data, cues, results and / or instructions, and any other communicable item, collectively referred to as “information”, with a user (eg, subject 12), sensory stimulator 16, sensor 18, processor 20 and / or communication with one or more of the other components of the system 10. For example, cardiac activity parameters may be displayed to the caregiver via the user interface 24. As another example, the user interface 24 may be configured to receive input and / or selection of configuration information for the sensor 18. The configuration information allows a user to customize the operation of sensor 18 and / or other aspects of system 10.

  Examples of interface devices suitable for inclusion in the user interface 24 include keypads, buttons, switches, keyboards, knobs, levers, display screens, touch screens, speakers, microphones, indicator lights, audible alarms, printers, sensory feedback. There are devices and / or other interface devices. In some embodiments, the user interface 24 comprises a plurality of separate interfaces. In some embodiments, the user interface 24 comprises at least one interface provided integrally with the sensory stimulator 16, the sensory stimulator 16 and / or other components of the system 10. In some embodiments, the user interface 24 may include a camera, for example.

  As will be appreciated, other hardwired or wireless communication technologies are also contemplated as the user interface 24 in this disclosure. For example, the present disclosure contemplates that the user interface 24 may be integrated into a removable storage interface provided by the electronic storage device 22. In this example, information that allows a user to customize the implementation of system 10 may be loaded into system 10 from removable storage (eg, smart card, flash drive, removable disk, etc.). Other exemplary input devices and technologies adapted for use in the system 10 as the user interface 24 include, but are not limited to, RS-232 ports, RF links, IR links, (phones, cables or other ) There is a modem. Briefly, according to the present disclosure, any technique for communicating information to the system 10 is contemplated as the user interface 24.

  FIG. 7 shows a method 700 for managing a subject's current sleep session by a management system. The system comprises one or more sensory stimulators, one or more sensors, and one or more processors configured to execute computer program modules. The computer program module includes a parameter module, a sleep stage module, and a control module. The operations of method 700 presented below are intended to be exemplary. In some embodiments, method 700 may be performed with one or more additional operations not described and / or without one or more of the operations discussed. In addition, the order of operations of the method 700 illustrated in FIG. 7 and described below is not intended to be limiting.

  In some embodiments, the method 700 includes one or more processing devices (eg, a digital processor, an analog processor, a digital circuit designed to process information, an analog circuit designed to process information, a state Machine and / or other mechanisms for electronic processing of information). One or more processing devices may include one or more devices that perform some or all of the operations of method 700 in response to instructions stored electronically on an electronic storage medium. The one or more processing devices include one or more electronic devices configured through hardware, firmware and / or software specifically designed for performing one or more of the operations of the method 700. Good.

  In operation 702, an output signal is generated during the current sleep session that conveys information related to one or more of the subject's pulse rate, the subject's blood volume, and / or other information. In some embodiments, operation 702 is performed by one or more sensors that are the same as or similar to sensor 18 (shown in FIG. 1 and described herein).

  In operation 704, one or more cardiac activity parameters are determined based on the output signal. The one or more cardiac activity parameters include one or more of a pulse rate metric, a blood volume metric, and / or other parameters. The pulse rate metric and blood volume metric are related to the subject's current sleep stage during the current sleep session. In some embodiments, operation 704 is performed by a parameter module that is the same as or similar to parameter module 30 (shown in FIG. 1 and described herein).

  In operation 706, the current sleep stage of the subject is determined based on the determined parameters. In some embodiments, operation 706 is performed by a sleep stage module that is the same as or similar to sleep stage module 32 (shown in FIG. 1 and described herein).

  In operation 708, it is determined whether the subject is currently in slow wave sleep. In some embodiments, operation 708 is performed by a sleep stage module that is the same as or similar to sleep stage module 32 (shown in FIG. 1 and described herein).

  In operation 710, the one or more sensory stimulators provide sensory stimulation to the subject to induce the subject's slow wave activity while the subject is determined to be in slow wave sleep. To be controlled. In some embodiments, operation 710 is performed by one or more control modules that are the same as or similar to control module 34 (shown in FIG. 1 and described herein).

  In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. The terms “comprising” or “including” do not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those listed in a claim. In the device claim enumerating several means, several of these means may be embodied by one and the same item of hardware. The term “a,” preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. In any device claim enumerating several means, several of these means may be embodied by one and the same item of hardware. The mere fact that certain elements are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that these elements cannot be used in combination.

  While the description presented above provides details for purposes of illustration based on what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, such details are merely for such purposes. The disclosure is not limited to the explicitly disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary is intended to cover modifications and equivalent arrangements that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. It will be understood that For example, as will be appreciated, the present disclosure contemplates that, where possible, one or more features of any embodiment can be combined with one or more features of any other embodiment.

Claims (18)

A system configured to manage a subject's current sleep session, the system comprising:
One or more sensory stimulation devices configured to provide sensory stimulation to the subject;
One or more sensors configured to generate an output signal conveying information related to one or more of the subject's pulse rate or blood volume during the current sleep session;
One or more processors configured to execute computer program modules;
The computer program module comprises:
A parameter module configured to determine one or more cardiac activity parameters based on the output signal, wherein the one or more cardiac activity parameters are one or more of a pulse rate metric or a blood volume metric. A parameter module, wherein the pulse rate metric and the blood volume metric are related to the current sleep stage of the subject during the current sleep session;
A sleep stage module configured to determine the current sleep stage of the subject based on the determined parameters, and determines whether the subject is currently in slow wave sleep A sleep stage module configured to:
The one or more sensory stimulation devices are configured to control the one or more sensory stimulation devices to increase the slow wave activity of the subject by applying the sensory stimulation while the subject is determined to be in slow wave sleep. A control module to be
Including the system. The one or more sensors include an optical sensor configured to be carried by the subject's limb, the optical sensor comprising:
A light source configured to illuminate an area of skin on the limb of the subject, wherein at least a portion of the light is absorbed by blood in blood vessels in the skin area;
A photodiode assembly configured to generate an output signal indicative of an amount of light from the light source that is not absorbed by the blood in the blood vessel in the region of the skin, wherein the amount of unabsorbed light is: A photodiode assembly associated with one or more of the pulse rate or the blood volume of the blood vessel in the region of the skin;
The system of claim 1, comprising: The optical sensor is configured such that the limb of the subject includes the subject's arms, legs, wrists, fingers, ankles or toes.
The system according to claim 2. The one or more sensors include a camera positioned at a distance from the subject and directed toward a region of the subject's body, the camera comprising the body of the subject Generating an output signal associated with a change in skin color in a region of the subject, wherein the skin color is one of the pulse rate or a blood volume of blood vessels in the body region of the subject. Related to the above,
The system of claim 1. The sleep stage module is configured such that slow wave sleep corresponds to sleep stage N3;
The system of claim 1. The one or more sensors are further configured to generate an output signal that conveys information related to the subject's arousal, wherein the arousal is related to the subject's arousal state;
The parameter module is further configured to determine a wakefulness metric based on the output signal;
In response to the awake metric indicating that the subject is waking up, the control module causes the one or more sensations to stop applying the sensory stimulus to the subject. Configured to control the stimulator,
The system of claim 1. A method for managing a subject's current sleep session using a management system, wherein the system executes one or more sensory stimulators, one or more sensors, and a computer program module. One or more processors configured, the computer program module comprising a parameter module, a sleep stage module, and a control module, the method comprising:
Using the one or more sensors to generate an output signal conveying information related to one or more of the subject's pulse rate or blood volume during the current sleep session;
Determining one or more cardiac activity parameters based on the output signal using the parameter module, wherein the one or more cardiac activity parameters are one of a pulse rate metric or a blood volume metric. Including the above, wherein the pulse rate metric and the blood volume metric are related to the current sleep phase of the subject during the current sleep session;
Using the sleep stage module to determine the current sleep stage of the subject based on the determined parameters;
Using the sleep stage module to determine whether the subject is currently in slow wave sleep;
While the subject is determined to be in slow wave sleep, the control module is used to provide sensory stimulation to the subject to induce slow wave activity of the subject. Controlling one or more sensory stimulators;
Including a method. The one or more sensors include a light sensor configured to be carried by the subject's limb, the light sensor including a light source and a photodiode assembly, the method comprising:
Illuminating a region of skin on the limb of the subject using the light source, wherein at least a portion of the light is absorbed by blood in blood vessels in the region of the skin;
Using the photodiode assembly to generate an output signal indicative of the amount of light from the light source that is not absorbed by the blood in the blood vessel in the region of the skin, wherein the amount of unabsorbed light is Related to one or more of the pulse rate or the blood volume of the blood vessel in the region of the skin;
The method of claim 7, further comprising: The extremities of the subject include the subject's arms, legs, wrists, fingers, ankles or toes;
The method of claim 8. The one or more sensors include a camera positioned at a distance from the subject and oriented toward a region of the subject's body, the method using the camera, Generating an output signal associated with a change in skin color in the body region of the subject, wherein the skin color is determined by the pulse rate or vascular blood in the body region of the subject. Related to one or more of the quantities,
The method of claim 7. Slow wave sleep corresponds to sleep stage N3,
The method of claim 7. Generating an output signal conveying information related to the subject's arousal, wherein the arousal is related to the subject's arousal state; and
Determining a wakefulness metric based on the output signal;
In response to the awake metric indicating that the subject is awake, controlling the one or more sensory stimulation devices to stop providing the sensory stimulus to the subject Steps,
The method of claim 7, further comprising: A system configured to manage a subject's current sleep session, the system comprising:
Means for applying sensory stimulation to the subject;
Means for generating an output signal conveying information related to one or more of the subject's pulse rate or blood volume during the current sleep session;
Means for executing a computer program module;
The computer program module comprises:
Means for determining one or more cardiac activity parameters based on the output signal, wherein the one or more cardiac activity parameters include one or more of a pulse rate metric or a blood volume metric, And means for determining one or more cardiac activity parameters, wherein the blood volume metric relates to the subject's current sleep stage during the current sleep session;
Means for determining the current sleep stage of the subject based on the determined parameter, wherein the means is configured to determine whether the subject is currently in slow wave sleep A means of determining the current sleep stage;
Means for applying the sensory stimulus so as to induce the subject's slow wave activity by applying the sensory stimulus to the subject while the subject is determined to be in slow wave sleep Means for controlling
A system comprising: The means for generating the output signal includes light sensing means configured to be carried by the limb of the subject, the light sensing means comprising:
Means for illuminating a region of skin on the limb of the subject, wherein at least a portion of the light is absorbed by blood in blood vessels in the region of the skin;
Means for generating an output signal indicating the amount of light from the illuminating means that is not absorbed by the blood in the blood vessel in the region of the skin, the amount of unabsorbed light being the pulse rate or the Means associated with one or more of the blood volumes of the blood vessels in a region of skin;
14. The system of claim 13, comprising: The light sensing means is configured such that the extremities of the subject include the subject's arms, legs, wrists, fingers, ankles or toes.
The system according to claim 14. The means for generating the output signal includes means for generating an output signal associated with a change in skin color in a region of the subject's body, the skin color being determined by the pulse rate or the subject's Means for generating an output signal related to one or more of the blood volume of blood vessels in the region of the body and related to a change in the color of the skin is located at a distance from the subject; and Directed toward an area of the subject's body,
The system of claim 13. The means for determining the current sleep stage is configured such that slow wave sleep corresponds to sleep stage N3;
The system of claim 13. The means for generating the output signal is further configured to generate an output signal that conveys information related to the subject's alertness, wherein the alertness is associated with the subject's alertness state,
The means for determining the one or more cardiac activity parameters is further configured to determine a wakefulness metric based on the output signal;
In response to the awake metric indicating that the subject is awake, the means for controlling the means for applying the sensory stimulus stops providing the sensory stimulus to the subject. Configured to control the means for providing said sensory stimulus,
The system of claim 13.

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